It's been a whirlwind campaign for the Wicklow-based TD as he campaigns for Europe in the Ireland constituency.

This was one of several visits he's made to Wexford as part of the campaign, and Saturday's programme took him from Baltinglass to Carlow, and on to Rathvilly, Tullow, Ardattin, Bunclody, before arriving in Ferns in the early evening.

'I think this is my tenth or eleventh trip to Wexford in the last four to five weeks,' said energetic Simon, who was accompanied on the visit to Wexford by Deputy Paul Kehoe and Senator Michael D'Arcy. Like seasoned pros, they pressed the flesh, spread the word, and even found time for photographs at the impressive Ferns Castle.

Simon was making sure local people knew he is the 'only candidate of any main party living in South Leinster.'

'It's really important that the south east has representation in the next European Parliament,' he said. 'The region has been well represented before with MEPs like Avril Doyle, Mairead McGuinness and Liam Aylward, and it's important the south east as a region isn't forgotten when it comes to policy.

'Part of the job as an MEP is to be a link between communities and Brussels,' he added. 'This constituency is so large, and that's part of the reason I decided to run, as I believe it's so important to have an MEP from the south east.' He was quickly back on the bus, and off to Gorey.